In past years, by now Scientology had already played its big Super Bowl ad a few times during playoff games, and posted it to one of its YouTube channels. But for whatever reason they've kept this year's ad under wraps, playing it only once that we know of — during their New Year's event in Los Angeles (which was actually held December 17).

Just to review, in case you are catching up: For the past five years, Scientology has run ads during the Super Bowl with a particular strategy in mind. The church doesn't buy one of those incredibly expensive national 30-second ad slots that this year will cost about $5 million each. Instead, during the long game broadcast there are a few slots reserved for your local broadcaster to sell. Scientology tends to buy those slots, and only in particular cities.

We've consulted experts in the past who told us that the church ends up spending about $1 million for its ad, not only saving some money over a national spot but also so Scientology leader David Miscavige can reward some cities and slight others, depending on where he purchases the local ad spots.